PERSONALITY PROFILE
45
On the right track
By Dineo Phoshoko
HOW DID YOU ENTER THE PLUMBING
INDUSTRY?
My mother became a plumber at the age of
38, and when I got my diploma in financial
information systems at 20, I had no interest
in pursuing it further. My mom then asked if I
wanted to try plumbing for a year and I have
enjoyed it ever since.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO JOIN THE
INDUSTRY?
I love the challenges and the constant learning
we do in plumbing.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE
INDUSTRY?
Nine years.
REGARDING MALE COLLEAGUES, HOW DO
THEY REACT TOWARDS YOU?
I joined IOPSA (Institute of Plumbing South Africa)
in the Border region at the insistence of my fellow
plumbers — they have been very welcoming. But
I still meet a lot of chauvinists who tell me I should
leave the men’s work to the men.
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU CURRENTLY
FACE IN THE INDUSTRY?
The challenges one experiences as an
entrepreneur are not really gender based; it is
a tough endeavour to go into. But the hardest
thing is trying to get anybody to give you a
chance, whether it is clients, financing, or
suppliers. You need to be sure that you build
sustainable relationships and you need to
have foresight.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OR
MILESTONES YOU HAVE HAD AS A FEMALE
PLUMBER?
Passing my trade test at Olifantsfontein the
first time, becoming the secretary of IOPSA
Border region, and opening our plumbing
hardware store.
WHAT KEPT YOU MOTIVATED TO KEEP
GOING DURING DIFFICULT TIMES?
I love what I do. I have learnt that if you are in it
to win it, you keep going no matter what.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST
ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Dealing with clients; every day you meet
interesting characters.
WHAT UNIQUE SKILLS DO YOU THINK
YOU BRING TO THE INDUSTRY AS A
WOMAN?
Women have an eye for detail no matter
how minor.
After attaining a qualification in financial information,
a young Lorraine Mooi found that she had no interest
in pursuing a career in that field. Her mother suggested
that she enters the plumbing industry. Nine years later,
Lorraine continues to steam ahead.
Lorraine Mooi loves the challenges and the
ongoing learning in plumbing.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACHIEVE IN THE
COMING YEARS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY?
Become a Master Plumber and chairperson of
IOPSA Border region.
FROM THE TIME THAT YOU STARTED
WORKING IN PLUMBING TILL NOW, WHAT
CHANGES HAVE YOU OBSERVED?
Consumers are realising that plumbers have
a very important part to play in society, and
consumers are not taking plumbers for granted
as much. There is still a way to go, but we are on
the right track.
ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER WOMEN ASPIRING
TO WORK IN THIS INDUSTRY?
Plumbing is an amazing field to join. If you
have an interest, find out if there is an IOPSA in
your area and attend a meeting. You will meet
wonderful people. PA
The Personality Profile is sponsored by Geberit
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
October 2017 Volume 23 I Number 8